Rising diabetes and obesity crisis laid bare by data analysts in new maps

The number of prescriptions given to treat type 2 diabetes – a disease associated with obesity and lifestyle – has risen by nearly 35 per cent in just four years, according to new research. Data analysts at Exasol produced a heat map of England showing prescription rates in 2011 and 2015, using official Government figures. They found that, based on current trends, the number of people with type 2 diabetes was on track to reach five million by 2020, five years earlier than previously thought.

Childhood Obesity Rates Are Still Rising

The upward trend in obesity among children continues unabated, say researchers. Recent reports have hinted that childhood obesity is beginning to improve in some U.S cities, at least for the youngest kids who are preschool age. But for the entire population of children ages two to 19 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity continue to climb, as they have been since 1999.

Apples and Blueberries Lower Risk For Diabetes

A new study released in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that apples and pears, as well as blueberries, are fruits particularly associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study looked at the diets of more than 200,000 people, and was originally created to determine whether flavonoid subclasses lead to diabetes. The latter proves that blueberries, apples and pears have a correlation with a lower incidence of diabetes in more than 12,600 cases.

20-Year Study Shows Staying Fit Keeps Diabetes Risk Low

Exercise is often recommended to diabetes patients looking to improve their blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Some doctors even call it a prescription for diabetes management. Although experts have agreed that physical activity is beneficial for controlling diabetes, research has not been so definitive when it came to preventing the condition. Until now.

Amputations caused by diabetes now at 20 per day

Diabetes UK say the number of amputations linked to the disease is risingThe number of amputations in Britain is now 7,370 a year – up from 7,042Chris Askew, of Diabetes UK, said the new figure is a ‘huge concern’